Studied the effectiveness of programed instruction and large group instruction in teaching empathy to lay people (N=55). Results support the contention that empathy can be developed through programed tapes either alone or in large group programs. Modeling and practice are key factors in successful training. (Author/JAC)

Administered the Missouri Children's Picture Series (MCPS) to two groups of teacher-referred male children (N=20): one group was referred for learning problems and the other for behavioral problems. Results revealed no significant mean differences between groups. Questions are raised as to the usefulness and validity of the MCPS. (Author)

Investigated the relationship between the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory 4-3 high-point pair and the Overcontrolled-Hostility (O-H) scale in prisoners, psychology clinic outpatients, and inpatients at a state hospital. Results suggested the O-H scale and the 4-3 high-point pair are correlated and seem to measure the same types of…

Administered a complex reaction time task to 47 learning-disabled and 41 control children. The preparatory interval between a warning and act light was manipulated for length and regularity. Results indicated that the inability to sustain attention over time, rather than momentary inattentiveness, distinguished the two groups. (Author)

Data from a national sample found that cohabitors are more violent than marrieds. However, cohabitors over 30, divorced women, those with high incomes, and those who were together for over ten years, had very low rates of violence. Suggests cohabitation should not be seen as a unitary phenomenon. (Author)

Compared a weight control treatment specifically tailored to the needs of residence hall students with a standardized behavioral procedure. Although posttreatment results indicated a very slight and nonsignificant advantage for the residence hall condition, this was not true at follow-up. Suggests the residence hall procedure may be overly…

Compared special education and regular education college students to identify teacher traits needed to deal with special needs students in the regular classroom. Results showed special education majors have stronger affiliation needs and regular education majors have higher achievement needs. Suggests characteristics needed by teachers dealing…

Children at the Louisiana State School for the Deaf were tested for motor proficiency using the Short Form of the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. The children appeared to lack balancing skills but scored better than hearing children in visual motor control. Sex and age differences are noted. (PP)

Used aggregate ratings of teacher behavior as data for a multitrait-multimethod validity analysis. Scaled ratings using Rasch latent trait scaling model and traditional scaling techniques. Compared Rasch-scaled multitrait-multimethod matrix to the traditionally scaled multitrait-multimethod matrix. Results showed Rasch scaling resulted in higher…

Investigated similarities and differences between agency practitioners and private practitioners in Los Angeles, California. Results indicate many social workers view private practice as incompatible with a commitment to serve the needy, but the gap is narrowing and there are more similarities between the two groups. (Author/JAC)

A study of college students showed those who consider themselves religious have higher locus of control and low alienation. These positive mental health factors may assist counselors in helping clients be aware of their own inner resources by tapping both psychological and theological aspects. (JAC)

Higher mean IQ scores were obtained on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) compared to the revised version (WISC-R). The WISC-R had a facilitative effect on the WISC that did not appear when the WISC was administered first. Differences in instructions may have enhanced the practice effect. (Author/JAC)

This study sought to determine whether three groups of ninth-grade girls--interscholastic basketball players, interscholastic gymnasts, and nonathletes--were similar or dissimilar in seven selected motor characteristics. Only three of the seven variables (dash, stand and bob, balance test) significantly contributed to the discrimination among the…

In Study 1, upper-division university students took the Witkin Group Embedded Figures Test. Neither race nor sex differences were found. In Study 2, Black and Euro-American freshmen completed that test, a modified Kohs Black Design Test, and the WAIS Picture Completion Test. Racial differences on embedded figures appeared. (Author/SJL)

Scores on the WISC-R and the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale, Part I, Public School Version, were obtained for elementary school children referred for psychological services. Some adaptive behavior scores differentiated among children classified as EMR, slow-learners, or average intelligence. (Author)